Focus Help: Ask Yourself These 5 Questions

Some days it’s tough to get moving in the morning. Despite my best efforts, the spinning wheels in my head run my concentration off the road. That is, until I ask myself these five questions. Contemplating the answers quiets my mind and gets me (and my day) back on course. I’ve seen similar success with coaching clients who use them as well. Try them for yourself and let me know how they work for you.

1. What am I grateful for today?Gratitude is an essential spiritual quality. Answering this question provides a quick perspective check on your emotions before moving on to more tangible tasks. Not sure what to give thanks for? Start with the gift of life itself. You receive it with every breath.

2. What am I excited for today? Not only are there lots of reasons to be grateful, you can also choose to be happy right where you are. Feel the joy you give and receive when you do your work with passion and delight. From this awareness, you are ready to accomplish whatever excites you most.

3. What do I want to create today? Once you’ve focused on whatever it is that moves you, picture how the end result of achieving this goal looks to you. What do you see? What do you need to do to make your dream come true?

4. What do I commit to make happen today? This follow-up takes your desire deeper. Go beyond what you want to create, and consider specific, measurable and attainable steps that, once complete, you can cross off your to-do list. Start with something reasonable. Hit it out of the park; any extra progress you make means more mojo for you. Make and believe.

5. Who do I want to be today? Your work gains meaning and power when you treat the world to the real you. Yes, you: the unique creation blessed with unique talent and purpose. Be authentic. Be bold. Give this day your all. Hold nothing back. Don’t let anyone dim your light because it shines in their eyes. As Howard Thurman said, “Deep within me I want to be more loving — to glow with a warmth that will take the chill off the room which I share with those whose lives touch mine in the traffic of my goings and comings.”